Learn as much as you can from people around you at work, but also give yourself time.”
My name is Giusy Adekunbi, I’m 25 years old and I’m an Assistant Design Manager at Lovell Partnerships. I’ve been working within the Industry for 3 years now. I'm highly passionate about design, regeneration and development, with a particular interest in advancing under-developed / developing countries.
"My role allows me to contribute to the community by building new and useful structures, homes and buildings to improve the community and residents."
What is a Design Manager? Learn More on our roles page.
I have always been fascinated by design, architecture and buildings, but It never occurred to me to pursue a career related to it until university. For A-levels I studied English Lit, Sociology, Applied Science and Italian, however at university I
studied Construction Project Management with an industrial placement year. During my placement year I joined a graduate scheme as a Graduate Site Manager, which gave me great insight into the different stages of a construction project , as well as the various areas within a Construction Company.
As an Assistant Design Manager, what does a typical day at work look like for you?
My role revolves around managing the Design / Technical process of projects. In order to get the design aspect of a project completed, I work with Local Councils, Site Managers, Property / Estate Managers, Engineers, Architects, Subcontractors/ Trades and Building Inspectors (i.e. NHBC / L ABC). The main skills that I've picked up are communication, technical skills, time management and organisation! These I have mainly gained and developed whilst working in various departments during my Graduate Scheme. I use communication skills quite a lot when liaising with Consultants, Subcontractors and other team members to ensure the work is progressing as it should as per both Design and Construction programmes.
The best thing about my role is seeing the transformation and progress during a project at each different stage, from start to finish!"
What is it like to be a woman working in your area or profession?
Empowering and interesting. I believe my profession gives me an opportunity to encourage other women who are interested in a career in construction, which makes me glad. I do feel like the stigma and misconception attached to the industry has gotten better from how it used to be, however we still have a long way to
go! I believe that more women will be keen to join the industry once they learn about the variety of roles within and see other women like them working in the industry.
What advice would you give a young woman thinking about a career in your role?
There is a role for everyone out there! Go for a role you are interested in and take it from there. Learn as much as you can from people around you at work, but also give yourself time. Don’t be too hard on yourself - we are all learning every day.
What do you aim to do next in your career?
I would like to become more senior in my role as a Design Manager. I would also like to get involved in community development and regeneration in under-developed/developing countries.
@Giusy_xox
Giusy Adekunbi
Apart from your day job, what are your passion projects?
I have a blog called “Brains, Bricks and Buildings” where I share various posts relating to Construction, Architecture & Design, Regeneration and Development and more. Find out more information here: https://brainsbricksbuildings.wordpress.com/
I also produce household scented candles called ‘Abba’s Light’ to carry an uplifting message of encouragement and hope, especially after the uncertainty and anxiety the pandemic brought around. Find out more: https://www.abbaslight.co.uk/